Head of programmes jobs

Stewardship is seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to head our Philanthropy Fund service. As part of our Leadership Team, you’ll champion biblical generosity, drive innovation, and lead a passionate team delivering exceptional service to high-impact donors.

You will lead a team of ten to deliver the vision for our Philanthropy Fund within Stewardship’s corporate strategy, lead and grow our Donor Advisory Board service, cultivate deep client relationships and expand our reach across philanthropy networks.  Driving income growth, providing data-led insights as well as representing Stewardship at key events. 

You'll need to be an empathetic leader, able to work strategically and collaboratively across teams.  A strong communicator with a passion for innovation and client relationships who is motivated by seeing lives transformed through Christian generosity. 

This is a 12 month, maternity cover role. 

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:

· Active membership of local church congregation.

An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.

We’re recruiting a forward thinking, strategic and compassionate Head of Family Services to lead the development of our support services delivered by our team of Family Support Workers to families of children and young people with cancer in the East Midlands. This is a newly created role and a key position in our small, impactful charity.

We’re looking for someone with a strong background in family support, health or social care, excellent people and communication skills, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of families facing childhood cancer.

The post holder will have direct line management responsibility for our team of Family Support Workers and Family Services Co-ordinator, providing leadership across service development, staff wellbeing, safeguarding, partnership engagement, and impact reporting. They will be responsible for ensuring that the team is supported through adequate training and supervision.

Partnership building with organisations and professionals will also form a part of this role and the post holder will build strong relationships with stakeholders across the health, social care and voluntary sectors.

Home based. Regular Teams and face-to-face meetings with travel to Leicester, Nottingham, and locations across the East Midlands required.

We want a world where no one dies from hunger. Life-threatening hunger is predictable, preventable and treatable. Join Action Against Hunger and together we will stop it in its tracks.

Action Against Hunger is an optimistic, inspiring place to work. We want passionate and dedicated people to help build a better world. We’re a creative team made up of people with a wide range of talents, styles and expertise. But we are united in our relentless dedication to end world hunger. No challenge is too big. With you we can do it. Join us.

We are looking for a Senior Programmes Support (Maternity Cover) to join a talented team, passionate about working towards Action Against Hunger’s vision of a world free from hunger.

This is a key role that works across the Advocacy and Nutrition Departments. You’ll be providing financial, administrative and coordination support to the Programme Funding Team and Nutrition Department. You’ll support business development, identify funding opportunities, track our finances, monitor grant/contracts, and spot areas for improvement in all we do – with the independence to make those changes.You’ll also engage with other teams within Action Against Hunger UK (e.g. finance), Action Against Hunger’s International teams (country level, HQs) as well as other humanitarian organisations and agencies (e.g. UNICEF, WHO) as relevant.

We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us. For more detailed information on the role – and to see whether you have the necessary experience - please download the attached pdf Job description.

Closing Date: 25-Aug-2025 23:30 Interview Date: 1st September 2025.

Please read the following carefully before making your application: then all you need to do is send your CV and write a supporting statement explaining why you want the job and how your skills and experience make you the right person for the role and where you saw this vacancy.

• As a UK based position, candidates must have the right to work in the UK
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community and we encourage as broad a range of candidates as possible. If you need any additional support to help you through this process, please let us know (contact details in the job pack)
• Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted candidates, within two weeks of the closing date Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback
• If you experience any technical difficulties in submitting your application, please contact the charityjob helpdesk

Are you driven by a passion to make a difference to the lives of children and young people from an African, Asian and Caribbean heritage?

SEEN was set up in 2021 to create systemic change by challenging structural inequalities that impede opportunities for children and young people of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage to be safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful, ensuring a fair and equitable future where they can fulfil their full potential. SEEN is the name chosen by children and young people to describe the work of the centre and the impact they wanted from the outcomes. This is an exciting time for SEEN, with notable achievements and learning which has provided Barnardo's with comprehensive insights to build on. A new theory of change is being shaped, and new programmes of work are in development to amplify impact, and align with the new organisational corporate strategy and the external environment Barnardo's is operating in.

We are looking for an inspirational, highly motivated, solution-focused strategic leader with exceptional relational skills and extensive experience of anti-racist practice to head up SEEN. This dynamic and influential role will drive inclusive, anti-racist practices and lead a high-performing team which includes the Head of the National FGM Centre. It will foster strategic partnerships and lead internal cultural change through solutions co-produced with stakeholders and children of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage. The post requires strategic vision, thought leadership, and a strong commitment to quality, outcomes, and effective programme governance. 

The role is part of the Health, Quality and Inclusion Directorate and is a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of transformational change to make a real difference to the lives of children of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage. 

Candidates will be notified by Friday 12th September if they have been shortlisted.   

Interviews will be in person on Tuesday 23rd September at Lynton House, 7 – 12 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9LT. Nearest train/tube stations – Euston (Northern and Victoria lines), Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines) and King's Cross St. Pancras (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines). 

A remote Children & Young People Panel will also form part of the interview process and the date for this will be confirmed.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.  

Cord is an international charity working to make peace a reality where people don’t have the freedom to exercise their rights. We work to build the relationship between those in power and local communities. 

We believe that people flourish when all parts of society work together. Peaceful relationships make that possible. The simple act of talking begins a journey of growth which transforms mistrust, includes the excluded and turns adversaries into allies.

Cord operates in eight countries and implements programmes in the following areas:

• Empowering Women & Girls
• Accessing Fundamental Freedoms
• Climate & the Environment
• Economic Empowerment
• Supporting Stronger Societies

We are a small, committed team who love working together to make a huge impact. If you like the sound of us, then take a look at the recruitment pack and come and join our team!

About the Role

Are you someone who is passionate about seeing positive change in our world? Can you bring knowledge and creativity in designing innovative and effective peacebuilding programmes?

We are looking for someone to support our programmes and institutional fundraising with excellent writing skills, who is passionate about addressing the root causes of and inequalities caused by conflict. You will be someone passionate about the work Cord does and who can bring technical institutional funding expertise alongside peacebuilding knowledge to our small and committed team.

In this role you will lead the development of new programmes and institutional funding bids in line with Cord’s peacebuilding approach and 5 main programme areas. You will manage proposal submissions to Cord's key donors such as the EU, US State Department, GIZ, SDC, UN Peacebuilding Fund etc. You will be working closely with country teams to design and write proposals based on strong project designs developed in partnership with our local partners.

The role will also operate at a strategic level by managing Cord’s relationships with key donors and shaping how Cord communicates about its programmes and the added-value that Cord brings.

If you like what you read and are passionate about real and lasting change, come and join us and be part of the Cord story.

Application Instructions

To apply please send you CV and a covering letter that explains your interest in Cord and the role, and details how you fulfil the requirements of the role.  

Please note:  Funding for this position is contingent upon the successful award of external funding that is currently in process and expected to be finalised in Autumn 2025. Whilst the recruitment selection process will run concurrently, the official appointment of this role will take place after funding is officially secured.

This is a UK based remote role and applicants must have the right to work in the UK and the ability to travel to Coventry for team meetings. 

The position can be based at Peace Direct’s office in Central London or in the Netherlands. Hybrid working is offered.  

Peace Direct does not currently hold a sponsorship license and therefore if you are applying to work in the UK/EU and do not have the right to work there, we cannot accept your application.

Who we are 
Peace Direct is an international charity with a vision for a just world, free from violent conflict. Working in partnership with local peacebuilders in some of the world’s most conflict-affected places, we want to change the international system so that it better supports the role that local people and communities play in preventing violence and building and sustaining peace. More than that, we want to change the international system so that it better supports the role that local people and communities play in preventing violence and building and sustaining peace.

The Role 
Working within our International Partnerships, Programmes and Research (IPPR) team, you will develop, accompany, and coordinate locally-led peacebuilding projects, partnerships and networks, primarily in conflict-affected countries in the Great Lakes and Central Africa regions of Africa. You will also support the coordination of partnerships and engagement with local peacebuilding efforts in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within our multi-year programme ‘Local First: Transforming the Peacebuilding System’, funded by the Dutch MfA.

As Senior Partnerships and Programmes Officer you will work closely with our SPOs who manage existing partnerships and create opportunities to bring partners together to learn from one another. You will also support the development, coordination and delivery of Local First, working closely with the International Programmes Manager and Peace Direct’s Netherlands Country Representative.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting peacebuilding, development or humanitarian projects, with a good understanding of peacebuilding approaches, and who can build effective, trust-based relationships with local partners. You must be a team player who enjoys working collaboratively, have excellent organisational skills and be able to work in both English and French.

Still interested? Take a look at the job description to see full details about the role and whether it matches your skills and experience.  

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and why you are interested in the role via Charity Jobs. Please indicate in your cover letter, should you choose to, whether you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme.

We also offer candidates the choice of submitting a video clip, ie. a video cover letter if this is preferable to a written cover letter. To ensure fairness we suggest you turn the camera off so that we only hear your voice. The video should be no more than 2 minutes in length. You should email it as a video link via WeTransfer or any other file sharing tool, to our recruitment inbox, the address of which you will find on the jobs page of our website as unfortunately the Charity Jobs website does not permit a url to be inserted here.

For the video cover letter, the following should guide your speaking points. Please state the following:

· Your name;

· The job you are applying for;

· Describe your overall skills and abilities (as they relate to the post being advertised);

· A brief description of your work experience (in relation to the post being advertised);

· What makes you qualified for the new position;

· Any additional details that help introduce yourself

You should choose either a written cover letter or a video cover letter, but we request that you please DO NOT submit both.

Closing deadline for CV and cover letter is 23:30pm on Wednesday 27th August 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a short supplementary information form.

First stage interviews will be held online during w/c 8th September 2025.
Second stage interviews will be shortly after, on a date to be confirmed to those selected through to the next round. 

Peace Direct strives to be a diverse and inclusive employer, with equality of opportunities regardless of personal identity, and we are committed to improving our systems and ways of working to support this, including creating a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) working group, DEI strategy and recruitment guidelines. We strongly encourage individuals from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), LGBTQ+. As part of being a Disability Confident Committed employer, we welcome people with disabilities or health challenges to apply and those who meet most of the Essential requirements as laid out in the job specification will be guaranteed an interview for the job for which you are applying, through our Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

We welcome people from all backgrounds and strongly advocate our DEI policy and commitment to maintain an inclusive workplace culture; we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent, so we welcome a conversation about any DEI concerns you may have. Please contact our HR Manager, Lesley Agbarakwe. What’s important isn’t your level of education or the opportunities which you have had; it’s about your passion and how you seize the opportunities ahead of you to use your skills and knowledge in this field of work.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which includes criminal records (DBS) checks. Peace Direct also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (Misconduct Disclosure Scheme). In line with this Scheme, we will ask your consent to request information from previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation after having left previous employment.  

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Peace Direct is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Peace Direct engages. Peace Direct expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

Peace Direct is committed to preventing and protecting all people from harm in their interactions with us. We expect all those that act in our name to uphold our approach to doing no harm and to sign up to our Safeguarding policy and Code of Conduct.

Do you believe that it is possible to change the rules of the economy so that it works better for people and planet? Are you driven by a commitment to make the UK more equitable, sustainable and democratic? Are you an expert in social policy? If so, we have the job for you.

For 40 years NEF has turned bold ideas, robust research and community power into real-world change to build a new economy that works for people and planet. At this critical moment in global and domestic politics, we are looking for someone to head up our social policy team, leading visionary flagship programmes on public service reform, housing and social security. NEF has always been a pioneer of cutting-edge research, big ideas and effective campaigning. We work at the interface between economic, social and environmental policy and we are looking for a Head of Social Policy that can help us push this frontier. 

Working with a talented team of researchers and economists, directors and other heads, you will develop a strategy to steer NEF’s social policy work, lead the development of and fundraising for programmes of research, policy and influencing and help ensure new and existing work delivers clear, high quality and rigorous outputs and outcomes.

You will need a strong track record of leading research, policy development, a keen sense of how change happens and strong relationships with partners across politics, civil society, trade unions and business. And you will need a passion for economic, social and environmental justice and a belief that we can make change happen.

Role: Head of Social Policy

Hours of work: Full Time

NEF operates a Shorter Working Week, with a full-time equivalent of 32 hours per week. As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant, which can be discussed at interview stage.

Salary range: £56,477 to £68,268, depending on qualifications and experience

Location: London (in-office min two days per week)

Contract type: permanent

Responsible to: Deputy Chief Executive

The Head of Social Policy leads the development of our thinking across public service reform, social security and housing.  This role develops - and is responsible for the effective delivery of a NEF-wide social policy strategy and of projects that are delivering on this strategy.  The Head of Social Policy acts as a key spokesperson for NEF and promotes our work at a local, regional and national level.

As NEF has a particular strategic focus on transforming the way policy is made so that it better reflects the lived experience of the people, communities and movements that most need change, we look to heads across our different themes to help develop and test new approaches to policy and advocacy.

The Head of Social Policy generates project ideas, oversees the development of quantitative and qualitative research, leads funding bids and manages day-to-day funder relationships.  This role leads a team which both develops our thinking on social policy and provides expertise to other teams at NEF.

 Deadline for applications: midnight on 14th September 2025

Interviews: 23rd and 25th September 2025

Start date: ASAP

To apply, please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 2 pages) outlining how you meet the person specification in Word format.

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring from.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, we are unable to sponsor visas.

NEF is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in research and policy making and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this. We are particularly keen to receive applications from black, asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities; people who identify as being LGTBQIA; people who have a mental health condition; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past. We are also aware that many highly capable prospective candidates nonetheless rule themselves out of work in research and policy because they underestimate their own ability to do the role. With this in mind, we strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job and would like to stress that past experience of working in think tanks is not required.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.  We make use of positive action to select between candidates of equal merit as a way to address under-representation in our workforce.

NEF believes in diversity

Registered charity number 1055254

Summar and support the decarbonisation journey across our 15,500 churches and circa 4000 church halls.

Just a Drop is an international NGO working to bring safe water, sanitation and hygiene education to communities in need, transforming lives. Our projects have benefitted almost two million people across 32 countries since we began in 1998.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Internship in our Programmes Team based near Gillingham in Dorset. Consisting of three Programme Managers and a Head of Programmes, the JaD Programmes Team oversees all aspects of project design and delivery with nine partners in seven countries.

We are looking for someone who would like to build their skills and experience in the International Development Sector. You will support a number of functions from project management to monitoring and evaluation. The successful candidate will also gain exposure to all aspects of JaD’s award winning work in the WASH sector.

Role Overview

The Programmes Intern (PI) will work with four other programmes staff in the Programmes Team and will support the team by undertaking a range of activities concerned with all aspects of JaD project design, coordination, delivery, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and formal reporting.  The PI will also interact with our team of Technical Advisers, as well as liaising with members of our Fundraising and Communications team, providing support in securing funding for approved projects and assisting in the flow of information on the delivery of JaD projects and programmes to external audiences.

There is flexibility for the person in this role to work  part time (three days a week for ten months or four days a week for seven and a half months) or full time (five days a week for six months). The Intern will receive payment of £12.21 per hour, as well as NI and pension contributions. They will be expected to attend our Programmes Office near Gillingham in Dorset one day a week, with the remaining days worked from home.

Personal Specification

• Degree-level qualification or higher in International Development, International Relations, Environment, Hydrology, Health or other related discipline.
• Demonstrable interest in the international development and/ or WASH sectors.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to take on a variety of new tasks and work on own initiative.
• Excellent IT skills and experience using all standard Microsoft programmes including familiarity with Teams, strong knowledge of Excel is desirable.
• Some experience of CRM platforms such as Salesforce is desirable

If you believe you would be able to bring your skills, knowledge and passion to this role and are looking to gain from the experience of working for an established and acclaimed actor in the WASH sector, we would love to hear from you.

Recruitment will be via an initial online interview followed by an in-person meeting in either Dorset or Richmond.

Please send a copy of your CV accompanied by a letter setting out your suitability for and interest in the role, no later than 09.00 on Monday September 1st, 2025.

Applicants must have exsting right to work in the UK.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in the process of evolving its current ‘Youth Without Limits’ strategy which aims to give all young people the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of a DofE programme. The Charity has a strong desire to become a more insight-driven organisation and has recently launched a data strategy that will help realise that vision. We have a clear view of where we want to be and some of the gaps and challenges that will need to be tackled along the way. The Head of Data will be instrumental in helping the charity achieve its vision for data and will play a key role in delivering the data strategy. Working with the Director of Data and Impact, you will develop the capabilities, frameworks and infrastructure to ensure data is managed, governed, understood and used effectively to enable the Charity to make informed decisions.
 

If you’re a staunch techie then this role probably isn’t for you but if you have gained a solid technical grounding in previous roles and are passionate about bringing people and data together to develop understanding and deliver meaningful insight then we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities:-

• Support the Director of Data and Impact in delivering the Charity’s data strategy and be their ‘right hand person’
• Grow and shape the data team
• Lead on delivering insights from our CRM data to support audience  growth and engagement.
• Promote data governance to ensure the quality, stewardship and lineage of data is addressed
• Act as a data business partner with internal teams to understand data needs
• Oversee data infrastructure and reporting provision
• Support on providing data expertise to inform planning and innovation
• Support the development of a data literacy culture and ‘insight-first’ thinking

What we are looking for:-

• A solid understanding of data and technology concepts gained through hands on experience in previous roles
•  The ability to articulate data and technology concepts in clear, layman’s terms with confidence and enthusiasm
•  An understanding of data practices including governance and compliance (including GDPR)
• The ability to translate data into meaningful, actionable insights
• Knowledge of SQL Server, data warehouses and visualisation tools
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at all levels
•  Experience of leading and developing teams

How to apply and interview dates:-

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
 

The deadline for applying for this role is: Wednesday 27th August at midnight
 

1st  interviews will take place on:WC: 1st September  to be held via Teams 

2nd interviews will take place on: WC 8th September to be held via Teams.

**Additional interviews may be required.
 

 If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.

Job Title: Head of Community Delivery & Development - South East
Salary: £55,000
Responsible to: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Across Essex with time spent in Colchester (covering South and East of England)
Hours of Work: 36.5 hours per week. Flexible working will be required.
Contract: Permanent

Benefits:
We offer our team members a comprehensive staff benefits package including:

• Annual Leave: 38 days – 25 days AL (increasing to 29 days with service) plus 5 wellbeing days and 8 bank holidays
• Nest Pension: 8% employer contribution, 3% employee contribution
• Health Cash Plan: discounts on everyday healthcare such as dental, optical, physio, prescriptions & more
• Employee Assistance Programme: counselling and 24/7 GP access
• Fantastic volunteering opportunities within The Active Wellbeing Society every month

The Active Wellbeing Society: Who we are

The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) is a community benefit society and cooperative working to develop healthy, happy communities living active and connected lives. Our vision is for a society where people have the autonomy, capacity, resources and skills to shape their own futures, where individual wellbeing is connected to collective responsibility, and where all feel empowered to create positive change.

Head of South East Region: The Role

This strategic leadership role will ensure that TAWS’ contractual obligations and goals are achieved across the South East region by working in partnership with communities and organisations to deliver interventions that promote wellbeing, active citizenship and environmental sustainability.

You will:

• Lead regional programmes and services, ensuring delivery meets community needs and achieves meaningful impact
• Co-produce activities with local communities, incorporating interventions such as physical activity, food, active travel, shareshacks, health and growing
• Drive business development and identify new opportunities, working closely with senior colleagues to grow the organisation’s reach and impact
• Manage a team of Community Development Leads and Programme Managers across the South and East, with a current focus on Essex and London
• Represent TAWS at senior level in forums and stakeholder meetings

Key Requirements: What you'll bring with you

• Proven experience in programme and project management, delivering on time, within budget, and to agreed outcomes
• Strong business development skills, with experience identifying and developing new opportunities in community or charitable sectors
• Excellent partnership management skills, able to cultivate strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience managing and developing teams to achieve their full potential
• Experience working in community development and/or with the health, charitable or voluntary sector
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to complex, changing environments
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to represent the organisation effectively at all levels

Experience, Knowledge and Values:

• Ability to manage budgets, monitor performance and meet funder and organisational expectations
• Experience of asset-based community development approaches and co-production methods
• A track record of engaging diverse and underrepresented communities, building trust and participation
• Knowledge of wellbeing, tackling inequalities, and current developments in community engagement
• Commitment to equal opportunities and to removing barriers to participation
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

KEY INFORMATION

Location: Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, or London

Hours: 37.5 hours

Start date: September 2025 (we are happy to work with you and your notice period)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £46,420 - £51,725 per annum if based in London. £43,765 - £49,070 per annum if based in Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle or Bristol, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowance.

Application deadline: 11:59pm, Sunday 31 August

ABOUT UPREACH

Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?

upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2. 

Founded in 2012, we are an award-winning charity working in close partnership with employers and universities, we deliver a programme of 1-to-1 coaching to eligible undergraduates. We provide personalised employability support to over 3,000 students from across the UK, helping them to discover different career options, and develop the vital skills, networks and experiences needed to succeed in their chosen career and beyond.

To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website, read our Annual Report, and 2024-27 Strategy. 

ROLE SUMMARY 

It is an exciting time to join the team, with income growing year on year and an increasing awareness of our brand through activities such as the recent Radio 4 Charity Appeal. We have ambitious plans and the Head of Fundraising will make a significant contribution to future growth; you will manage the Fundraising and Events team with oversight of income generation from various sources including major donors, individuals, trusts & foundations and a portfolio of events.

The role will suit innovative individuals with experience of fundraising from major donors and at least one of the other specified income streams, and event planning or project management. 

You will represent upReach externally, acting as an ambassador for our work and building strategic relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders. You will be accountable for income targets, developing the fundraising strategy and identifying new opportunities.

OUR VALUES

upReach upholds the following values:

• Perseverance

• Integrity

• Advocacy

• Aspiration

• Proactivity 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head of Fundraising will contribute to upReach's mission by meeting financial targets, recognising when to make the fundraising ‘ask’ and leading the annual budget process. You will use clear, creative written communication to produce convincing cases for support, represent the charity at relevant networking events, work closely with the upReach Development Board and act as an ambassador for the organisation.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation and External Engagement you will manage three direct reports and support individuals participating in the Future Charity Leaders Programme (upReach’s graduate scheme). You will work closely with  the Head of Partnerships, CEO, Programmes and Finance teams and other colleagues across the income generating and external engagement team.

The core responsibilities include: 

Leadership and strategy 

• Lead fundraising and philanthropy to realise financial targets (2025/26: £2.45m).

• Securing 5 and 6 figure gifts. 

• Inspire staff and volunteers to excel and achieve, champion the upReach values.

• Commit to the annual appraisal process and develop stretching, SMART OKRs (objectives and key results) to meet our strategic goals. 

• Deputise for the Director in their absence and play an key role in the Income Generation & External Engagement Leadership Team.

• Lead the strategic and operational planning process for the functional areas of responsibility and ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders. 

• Keep abreast of developments, changes in trends, new techniques and legislation. 

• Ensure planned activity is delivered in compliance with relevant charity law, other legislation, best practice and corporate policy.

• Act as a senior sounding board to ensure strategic decisions regarding donors and funders resonate with our objectives and mission.

• Contribute to strategic thinking including risk management and mitigation.

• Collate and present timely monthly management reports for each income stream.

• Lead the annual budget and financial forecasting processes to facilitate reporting and  strategic-decision making.

Working with stakeholders (internal and external) 

• Collaborate with colleagues to identify and secure all various income generating and profile raising opportunities, ensuring maximum impact and contribution from funders. 

• Lead, champion and model a culture of outstanding donor stewardship and supporter care; including best practice and behaviour. 

• Develop and foster effective relationships with key external contacts at all levels, e.g. donors, supporters, suppliers. 

• Make the fundraising ‘ask’ as and when appropriate, or support others to do so.

• Respond promptly to requests for information and action from supporters.

• Report and disseminate the key issues to emerge from supporter feedback. 

• Manage the complaints procedures for the department and conduct full investigation of all complaints received by the department.

Developing, maintaining systems and procedures 

• Determine and manage the operating systems needed to deliver activity and enable effective donor, supporter and volunteer relationship management. 

• Effectively develop the donor journey.

• Ensure records in the CRM are up to date.

• Conduct analysis of data from across functions responsible for, drawing conclusions, making recommendations to the Director. 

• Ensure the management of systems and processes comply with the organisation’s data protection obligations, charity law and other legal requirements.

People Management and Team Working

• Recruit and lead the Fundraising team, rotatees and volunteers as required.

• Ensure upReach promotes a high performance culture and professional integrity.

• Continue to develop the skills and knowledge of you and your team to ensure you are up-to-date with changing regulation and fundraising best practices.

• Lead and model the implementation of business improvement and people development initiatives including training and rotations.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the department and organisation.

Major Donors and Individuals

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to grow income, including an annual appeal. 

• Work with the CEO, nurture relationships with donors including high net worth individuals maintaining the highest level of donor care.

• Research, identify and engage prospective donors to secure 5 and 6 figure gifts.

• Lead the team to grow and develop the burgeoning major donor portfolio. 

• Work with the Alumni Team to identify opportunities to sustainably grow the individual giving pipeline, including beneficiaries. 

• Develop a legacies strategy and oversee delivery of awareness campaigns.

Events

• Lead the team on the delivery of a sector-leading events portfolio, to include income-generating events, and the Student Social Mobility Awards (SSMA’s).

• Engage, steward and motivate key stakeholders including the Development Board, Patrons, potential event committee members and other high value volunteers to grow our network and deliver successful fundraising events.

Trusts, Foundations & Corporates

• Oversight of Trusts, Foundation & Corporate fundraising strategy.

• Work with the Senior Fundraising Manager to identify and build relationships with Companies, Trusts and Foundations which are mission and/or programme aligned.

• Collaborate with the Head of Partnerships to build strategic relationships with companies that grow philanthropic and commercial income. 

• Support the acquisition of new, multi-year philanthropic funders and existing donors.

Other

• Regular out of office work may be required in order that the organisation is able to deliver on its commitments to its stakeholders

• Some UK travel will be required from time to time

Please note that it is not possible for the job description to cover the exhaustive list of responsibilities of your role due to the varied nature of the role. The job description aims to provide an overview of your remit and core responsibilities. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate should display these skills: 

• Influencing, facilitation and communication skills (both oral and written)

• Problem solving and decision making, the ability to stay calm under pressure 

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and deliver to tight deadlines

• Passion and motivation 

• Leadership and collaboration skills

To be successful, it is anticipated that you will have experience working in a fast paced environment, third sector organisation with demonstrable success in meeting financial targets and motivating others;

• Exceptional relationship building, stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at the highest level.

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, maintaining accuracy and working independently to find solutions to problems.

• You have developed fundraising strategies, budgets and plans with success in meeting income targets including 5 and 6 figure gifts.

• Coordinating annual budget reviews and preparing KPI/OKR reports and financial forecasts that help inform strategic decision-making at a senior level. 

• Ability to lead and motivate others, including senior team members; working cooperatively with and through people to reach goals.

• Clear and creative communicator and presenter; strong storytelling skills and a proactive attitude.

• You’ll understand fundraising performance metrics and how to use them in the delivery of objectives as well as showing knowledge in charity law as it applies to fundraising

• Sound knowledge of GDPR legislation and other fundraising regulations.

• Independent decision-making within authorised boundaries with the ability to anticipate and find solutions to potential problems.

• Strong project management and problem solving skills, in addition to superb organisational skills to manage a varied workload.

• Take responsibility for your own professional development.

TEAM CULTURE & BENEFITS: 

By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are committed to supporting you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture. 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working.

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days and bank holidays. This increases to 2 additional days after 2.5 years and then to 3 additional days after 5 years of working with us. 

• Birthday leave and volunteering leave

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members. 

• 3% Pension Contribution, this increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us. 

• Cycle-to-work and tech buying schemes

• Monthly socials

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and annual wellbeing days

• Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role.

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network 

  • Socio-economic Background Network

READY TO APPLY?

We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. 

Applications close at 11:59pm, Sunday 31 August. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Diversity in the workplace creates dynamic and effective organisations and we are actively working to build a more inclusive workforce by continuously improving our recruitment, retention, and development practices. We  encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities , those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

As Head of Product Design & Delivery, you’ll steer the evolution of our much-loved Virtual Ship, a programme offered online where children discover the joy of literacy and grow in confidence. You’ll blend creativity, digital innovation, and purposeful leadership to shape something truly transformative, all while driving real, measurable impact.

Literacy Pirates delivers a high-impact literacy programme for 8t o 13 year olds. We work exclusively with children who are nominated by the school, as falling behind age expectations in literacy and facing economic barriers to educational success.

We have spent three years proving the concept of an online product delivering significant impact and engaging increasing numbers of children each term: Over 90% attendance rate, 83% of participants improve their literacy, and 90% of teachers see a boost in confidence of participants in the classroom.

Strategically, the Virtual Ship is an agile way to expand the number of children we work with and reach underserved communities with persistently poor educational outcomes for children from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We are beginning our national expansion strategy in Cornwall in autumn 2025. We have plans to rapidly grow from serving 450 to 3,000 children per year by 2030 or earlier. 

Come abaord and build an impactful programme able to transform the education trajectory of children struggling becuase of their socio-economic backgrounds. 

The Brain Tumour Charity is leading the way in research, support, and advocacy for everyone affect by brain tumours. Our mission is simple but urgent: to accelerate a cure for brain tumours and improve life for everyone affected by this devastating disease.

We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative leader to join us as our first Head of Performance and Planning. In this newly created role, you’ll help us stay focused on what matters most – delivering impact for the brain tumour community.

You’ll lead our planning and performance functions, working closely with senior leaders and teams across the organisation to ensure we have clear priorities, strong reporting, and effective ways to measure progress. You’ll also oversee our governance and risk frameworks, making sure we remain well-governed and prepared for the future.

This is a strategic but hands-on role that will shape how we plan, deliver and learn as we grow. You’ll work closely with the CEO and Board to support decision-making and accountability, helping us to embed a joined-up, insight-led approach that will drive progress against our ambitious 2030 strategy.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

You’ll bring experience in planning and performance, with a strong track record of leading cross-organisational work in a complex setting. You’ll be confident building relationships at all levels, influencing decisions, and turning strategy into action. You’ll thrive on helping others stay focused and aligned, and you’ll bring clarity and structure to big ambitions. If you love working collaboratively and want to make a real impact, this is the role for you.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Developing and leading business planning processes and activities

• Leading our annual and multi-year business planning processes, ensuring strong alignment to our 2030 strategy and strategic pillars.
• Designing and managing planning tools, timelines, and guidance to support joined-up planning across The Charity’s departments.
• Aligning strategic planning with budget and resource planning in partnership with the Director of Finance and IT and the Director of People and Culture.
• Working closely with the Director of Finance and IT, and the wider leadership team, to drive alignment between strategy, delivery, and performance.
• Championing a collaborative and inclusive approach to planning, building understanding and engagement across the Charity.
• Representing planning and performance leadership at key forums, including SLT and Extended Leadership Team meetings, and at Board subcommittees where required.

Performance monitoring and reporting

• Designing, implementing and embedding our performance monitoring and reporting frameworks, including dashboards, KPIs and narrative reporting for SLT and Board.
• Identifying and escalating performance trends and/or risks, highlighting these in order to partner with teams on continuous improvement
• Driving the use of data and insight in organisational planning and decision-making processes, including embedding processes to support equity and inclusion e.g. EDI impact assessments.
• Building capacity and planning capability across The Charity to support sustainable processes and ways of working, and to support continuous improvement.
• Working closely with leaders to ensure planning, change and performance are aligned, and with particular emphasis on Finance, Strategy and External Affairs, and People and Culture.

Programme and project planning

• Developing and communicating frameworks to support how programmes and projects are monitored and measured, in alignment with our strategy impact framework led by the Strategy & External Affairs team.
• Support programme planning and monitoring capability across The Charity through coaching and advisory support to teams and leaders and through procuring and/or sharing supporting tools and guidance for this purpose

Leading governance, risk management and business continuity

• Strategic oversight of governance, including overseeing Board and subcommittee reporting, documentation, regulatory and legal compliance.
• Overseeing the Charity’s corporate risk register, embedding risk awareness and mitigation planning across The Charity.
• Leading the development of our Business Continuity Planning (BCP) approach, including associated guidance, communication and learning.
• Acting as a trusted partner to SLT and Heads of Teams on performance, risk, and governance.